Penn Reels - just as you find them

[broadway]

That’s great! Thanks for the in depth info. What you say makes good sense.  In the early days starting a company was tough to do, so cutting costs would have been key to the business surviving.  Thus Ottos’s use  of interchangeable parts.
Appreciate the knowledge, mike.  
Dom

[milne]

I agree with Dom, fantastic read Mike.
As usual, due to your extensive research and experience, this reel probably didn't exist as such as you explained..
But Gee, did they get a prototype done ?, a special order for side plates, would be great to ever see such a transaction, like the ones in your book.
If they did get a prototype done, Wow, what a find that would be......

But I guess that's just pie in the sky stuff   
.......Always hoping to find that one of object...


Col

[Maxed Out]

 Here are a couple of 1st year(1941) penn 85's. Both have 250YDs stamped on seat, and both have the 1st year only dark brown spool. One of these has the smallest star adjuster I've ever seen. The other has the more standard star

[broadway]

Neat observation, Ted.  I never really checked that.
Love those first year 85's and 80's for that matter.
Thanks for showing
Dom

[mo65]

I wonder if smaller star is a 180 Baymaster star?

[cdaline]

Found at a yard sale yesterday.... Penn Peer #209 Level wind.
Arrived with True Temper wooden handle rod. I gave $5. Upon
cleanup found two hairline cracks on one sidepiece (hidden by
dirt). Apparently prior over tightening was the culprit. Cleaned ,
greased, oiled and adjusted. Smoothest level wind I've ever
had . Metal spool is minty fresh. Really like all the adjustability.
Spare PAWL is cool. Just feels like a quality reel.

Charles
https://imgur.com/a/2EV3KUp

[oc1]

That's a classic outfit for sure.  I can just see it out on a party boat.

I have this theory that the spare pawl is actually a Penn admission that they were struggling with the Peerless levelwind engineering.  They should have also included a spare carriage and a spare worm.

-steve

[philaroman]

is that rod a Harnell?
might be a better find than the reel

[oc1]

is that rod a Harnell?
might be a better find than the reel

If marked True Temper they were probably trying to ride Harnell's coat tails.  Likely solid fiberglass instead of tubular too.

[cdaline]

Steve and Phil.... I added photos to the spread. Wanted to show
the uninitiated the "Spare Pawl" cubby, and the tension adjustment
for the level wind mechanism.... was able with some grease to get
this one dialed in to smooth slide mode.... will have to see how it
performs at work. The True Temper rod is in about 8-9 /10 condition.
as Phil indicated current Bay of E asking indicates the rod more
valuable than the reel ($50-$60). Kind of digging this Penn.... time
will tell if it is just the blush of new find or lasting appreciation.

BTW... now feel the hairline crack not from over tightening but from
being dropped. 

Charles
https://imgur.com/a/2EV3KUp

[philaroman]

hmmm...  may not be "Fancy French name"
Montague was a US OEM that made anything for anybody, like China does now
if that's what it is, weird to see the "brand" AND "OEM brand" on same product
may be added value, plus good rod condition

don't know about S/W sticks, but have seen a couple lighter, longer Montague rods
that seemed like decent thin-wall glass w/ too-few budget guides

[oc1]

I'm trying to think how it went.....  First, Ocean City bought Montague, then later Ture Temper bought Ocean City.  So, it all makes sense.

Look inside to see if the crack goes all the way though the side plate.  Sometimes a scratch can look like a crack.
-s

[Crow]

Had a "tip" from one of the ohana (Thanks, again, Ted !) about this 285. Really a neat, un numbered , with a hex click button, and a really neat knob! Seat is marked 250 yards. Had to pay a bit more than I would have liked, but, it "came with" a really clean Long Beach 60. I haven't pulled the line from the 60, as yet....it looks like pretty good stuff, and I'll probably re use it, on something. The mono that was on the 285 will ....or could be...used on my weed trimmer ! Not only"big", but stiff, as well....they didn't want any break offs, I guess !

[Maxed Out]

 Score !!

 Also the lb reel looks nice. Any pics of it ??

[Crow]

   I'll get some, tomorrow...it IS pretty clean!